Wow, the movement isn't anything special but the rotor!

Taken from Watchbuys. They also have a slideshow of their tour of the workshops of Christiaan van der Klaauw -
http://www.watchbuys.com/slides/cvdk/cvdk.html

The rotor is made in Christiaan van der Klaauw's design, and both the rotor and the movement are completely engraved and decorated by hand by master engraver Jochen Benzinger in Germany. Jochen Benzinger is considered one of the world's best watch artisans for engraving, guillochéd dials and skeletonized movements. Jochen, who both lives and works near the Black Forest region of Germany, creates masterpieces from movements, with all of his work done completely by hand using machines that in many cases are over 100 years old.


Jochen was born in 1961, and under the guidance of a guild master in Pforzheim he completed his apprenticeship in engraving, finishing and earned a diploma for being among the most talented students.

Looking for a new challenge, he taught himself the craft of engine turning, which today is no longer offered as an apprenticeship. To learn these tasks, Jochen not only had to rely on the talents of elderly specialists still living in Pforzheim, but also had to buy and restore the original engine turning machines.

In 1985, Jochen took over the company Kollmar, which had established itself for five generations as one of the most reputable engine turning workshops.

WatchBuys is both honored and extremely pleased to have Jochen Benzinger as partner as we feature watches under his name (it's about time the credit should go to the creator). Jochen himself is quite modest, but we know him personally, and have visited his workshops on a number of occasions. Inside, you'll find projects that he's working on for the finest watch brands in the world, in some cases where the total cost of the watch will be in excess of $100,000.

We can't mention many of the watch brands we've seen during our visits, but the next time you see hand engraving or a hand guillochéd dial on a very expensive watch, Jochen Benzinger could be involved. Jochen is also responsible for the hand engraving of the internationally renowned and collected gold Faberge eggs.

If you are looking for a very special watch, created in the tradition of craftsmen that made Pforzheim famous in the 1800's and early 1900's, Jochen Benzinger is a real artist. Your watch will have been skeletonized and engraved by hand. The dial will have been guillochéd on an original engine turning machine, line by line. No stamping, no computer machines, no copies.

Jochen employs a team of skilled watchmakers and craftsmen who work with him to create his masterpieces. This team includes master watchmaker Hermann Grieb, who works with Jochen on the Grieb and Benzinger collection as well as other projects.

That must be TOUGH to have it so intricate and yet still have the weight it needs to work effectively!

I love that, very cool. Similar to one of my buckles. Thanks, Robert. Craftsmen that do this kind of work amaze me, just like the guy that made the belt, too, totally free hand carving... it's an art.

I found a watch that he and a watchmaker make together.




It takes many months to receive a Grieb & Benzinger masterpiece, so each time when Hermann and Jochen deliver the news that one is on the way, the excitement begins.

Master Watchmaker Hermann Grieb was able to locate an original Omega Calibre 37.5 T1 dating from the 1940's. Because Hermann works in a castle and auction house in Germany and is responsible for the maintenance and restoration of fine timepieces, he is no stranger to historical movements.

Hermann has a "knack" for finding interesting movements that meet his standards for quality workmanship, excellent construction, and the ability to be completely disassembled and restored to his exacting requirements.

The Omega Calibre used to power this watch was built around 1940. Hermann Grieb disassembled the movement, piece by piece and began the meticulous process of restoration. This process involves not only cleaning, polishing and oiling all key components, but also examining every part under high magnification for damage and wear. The goal of this process is to produce a movement that is as true to the original as possible, while ensuring longevity and reliability.

This is what Hermann does best - his many years as a museum timepiece curator make him uniquely qualified to treat this movement with both the respect and attention that it deserves. This movement features a flame-blued Breguet spiral, screw balance, and polished and flame-blued screws.

Take a minute to expand the picture of the movement. We love the elegant design of the bridges and plates.

Next, the movement is sent to Jochen Benzinger, who is responsible for the engraving, skeletonization and decoration completely by hand.

The movement itself is partially skeletonized, and close examination will reveal the many designs and patterns engraved on the various parts. The result is nothing short of a masterpiece, which is the exact word that we used when we saw this watch in its finishing stages in Germany one month ago.

The case is in stainless steel and is made in Pforzheim, Germany. The entire watch is hand skeletonized, using original machines that are themselves antiques. To learn more about how this process is achieved -
http://www.watchbuys.com/store/pc/viewContent.asp?idpage=7

To learn more about the background of Hermann Grieb -
http://www.watchbuys.com/store/pc/viewContent.asp?idpage=5

To see a slide show from our visit to his workshops -
http://www.watchbuys.com/slides/grieb/grieb.html

To read an IW magazine article about Hermann Grieb and Jochen Benzinger -
http://www.watchbuys.com/store/pc/catalog/griebbenzinger.pdf

Holy shit, that's sooooooooo cool.

porschefan wrote:

Holy shit, that's sooooooooo cool.

I agree. There is a more understated, but none-the-less elegant, watch that I found.

Jochen Benzinger Tuxedo


• Hand guillochéd dial with skeletonized movement
• Case diameter (mm): 42.0
• Case thickness (mm): 10.7
• Case metal: Stainless steel
• Case back: Transparent
• Winding: Manual
• Manufacturer's limited warranty: 2 years
Jochen Benzinger is known for his extraordinary creations, many of which use elaborate colors and designs.

But we must admit, the brand new Jochen Benzinger Black Tuxedo is different from other watches in the Benzinger Collection. Yes, it retains all of his traditional arts of engine turning, engraving and skeletonizing - but at the same time this watch goes where no Benzinger watch has gone before - its primary focus is simplicity and a very direct color scheme of silver and black.

We've named this new watch the Black Tuxedo because we think it exudes sophistication and class. You'll notice that the dial is actually not one dial but two - Jochen has used a layered approach to create a completely hand guilloched sterling silver dial that appears to float from the center of the watch.

The inlaid black chapter ring with contrasting silver Roman numerals completes the look.

Take a look at the small second hand at 6. Jochen has cut out this portion of the dial to reveal the skeletonized movement, and in keeping with the color scheme of the watch both the hour wheel and the visible second gears are in black with contrasting silver.

The movement is hand skeletonized and hand engraved using many patterns, with the ground plate coated in black PVD to provide a stark contrast to the silver bridges, wheels and gears. The screws are flame blued as are the hands, and you'll find yourself staring at the movement long enough to miss meeting start times (which might be a good thing).

With this watch Jochen proves again why his old world craftsmanship skills are among the elite in his profession. Everything is done by hand, using original engraving and engine turning machines, many of which are antiques. You can learn more about how Jochen Benzinger creates watches by clicking here. You'll also see the very machines and workshop where he works.

This watch is manually winding with a power reserve of 44 hours, and features a sub seconds hand at 6. Sapphire crystals on both sides. The presentation box is elaborate, and naturally features engraved plates describing and naming the watch.

This watch ships with a black Benzinger calf leather strap and deployant buckle.

Some extraordianary workmanship, and detail with these watches !!!
Just the way they work with such care, along with skill is unbelievable
really. Hard to pick a favorite out of all of these !..Some exceptional
watches, videos, and belts right there ! ..Oh and some TERRIFIC
links as well !..Those clocks are FANTASTIC also !..Thank you !

nice!!
but those machines and tools, mmmm

He did some for UTS.

Wow, the quality and level of the workmanship is just astounding.